“I’m looking forward to spending Christmas in Buxton. The town looks lovely: small and very picturesque.”

Kelsey Beth Crossley, who played Scarlett in Emmerdale and reached battle stages on television talent show The Voice, plays Princess Jasmine. She said: “I have played a princess before, but I love that the Opera House has chosen an Arabian theme for “Aladdin” .

“I’ve done pantomime at Christmas for the last few years, so now that’s Christmas to me – panto!

“I love the fact that the cast have as much fun as the audience during the show.”

Breaks between performances will enable Kelsey to explore the town. She said: “I’ve never been to Buxton before but on a first impression I have to say I love the intimate, villagey sort of thing: old buildings and country lanes. On a lovely winter’s day it must be just like a fairytale.”

Aladdin opens at Buxton Opera House on Saturday, December 11, and runs until January 2. Tickets from £17.50, call 01298 72190 or visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk